8 months - with Gitane - Toyota Hiace 4x4 van

On the road

February 3, 2014 — Zambia

Introduction

We left Ethiopia on January 10th and here is a blog on Zambia. There is a gap of nearly 20 days between these two countries; what happened?

After Ethiopia, we spent two weeks in Nairobi (Kenya) for repairs on the vehicle and then we took 5 days to cross Tanzania and to reach Zambia. Our goal was to go directly to Namibia to continue our trip there. Personally, I didn't wish to travel again in Tanzania and in Zambia, the rainy season makes travel difficult in several sites and parks.

The rainy season can make some roads impassable, and thus several parks are not accessible even with a good 4x4 vehicle. The most positive side of this season is the scenery that is superb.

Everything is green and there were a lot of flowers everywhere around us.

Some mangoes.

Shiwa Ng'andu

We made a small halt on this farm that is a vast domain belonging to a family. The site was bought by a British in the years 1900 and still looks like an old feudal domain. The buildings are from another era and are now used by farmers that live there.

It measures nearly 2 inches (5 cm).

Kapishya hot spring

To get to Namibia from Kenya, we have travelled more than 3200 kilometres in a few days. A small halt at this hot spring allowed us to get some rest. In addition to the hot spring, there are a lodge and a campsite along the bank of a river.

It was possible to take a good beer on this terrace next to the river. We were the only customers at this place.

Hot spring.

The reason for stopping there was mainly because of the hot spring. A pond has been built to retain the water that flows from the ground. This natural pool is at a very enjoyable temperature of 40 degrees Celsius. It is possible to bathe in it all day.

A special campsite

Gitane had not yet had the chance to see African animals at close range. When we arrived at this campsite, we had the nice surprise of seeing giraffes and zebras wandering freely around the camp. Gitane was quite happy to see these animals for the first time.

We have also seen vervet monkeys, guinea-fowls, and some kudus just outside the camping area.

Munda Wanga Environmental Park

Wild Dog.

Near the capital Lusaka, we have visited this small park that is a rehabilitation centre for these animals. We wanted to see some species that are difficult to see in the wild. Moreover, it was a very nice halt to rest after all those kilometres we drove earlier.